TALKING POINT: Should fans have a safe standing area at a redeveloped Ashton Gate?

Opinion among fans may be divided on plans to redevelop Ashton Gate – some would still prefer to move to Ashton Vale – but there seems to be one aspect of the whole affair upon which they broadly agree.

And that is the issue of safe standing in the Wedlock Stand.

It seems a majority of those who watch City in the East End stronghold are in favour of introducing a standing area on a trial basis.

There is currently no terracing at any of the 44 Premier League and Championship club stadiums and the Safe Standing Campaign was launched to lobby the Government to instigate a change in legislation.

Safe standing areas are already permitted in top-flight football in Sweden, Germany and Austria and Bristol City are one of 20 English clubs in favour of introducing the experiment here.

Not surprisingly, safe standing has become a hot topic of debate among Bristol City and Bristol Rugby fans since the announcement this week that they could end up ground-sharing at a revamped Ashton Gate in the near future.

City officials are taking supporters’ views seriously and members of the club’s senior management will meet with fans’ representatives at Ashton Gate to discuss a variety of issues.

Safe standing is sure to feature high on the agenda at the Fans Parliament, one of four to be held annually in a quest to establish closer links between those who pay at the turnstiles and those responsible for the running of the football club.

Bristol Sport chairman Martin Griffiths, Academy director Amy Kington, commercial director Kevin Smith and media manager Adam Baker will be among those representing the club, while the views of the fans will be put by representatives of the Supporters Club, the Supporters Trust, the City Foundation, the Premier Club and elected spokesmen for the Atyeo, Dolman, Wedlock and Williams Stands.

Lifelong City fan Jon Darch is a passionate supporter of the Safe Standing Campaign and he and others will lead calls for the scheme to be introduced at a revamped Ashton Gate.

The Post wants to know what those who follow Bristol City and Bristol Rugby think about safe standing. Should provision be made for a safe standing area at a redeveloped Ashton Gate and, if so, where should it be situated?

13 comments

@THEIRONS:
Safe Standing isn't terracing.It's completly different and can be converted back to seats at the flick of a switch.It's used Internationally and German clubs have used it for years without a problem.It also enables cheaper pricing so please study it.I also predict it will an integral part of the new or redeveloped stadium.
@Hu_Yu_Fa_King
One or the other will happen.
@force4to5:
There won't be any blue areas.You should change your kit to Red-It worked for Cardiff City!

I support Bristol Rugby and at present stand, as I have for more than 40 years, on th Clubhouse Terrace at the Memorial Ground. However, much as I enjoy standing as I do I have no strong opinion about terracing as such. The main advantage of terracing is that I can move around and meet any number of friends on the terrace. If that ability can be, in some degree, replicated at Ashton Gate or Ashton Vale when we move there I would be very happy.

It maybe called safe standing , virtually everyone stands even in seating areas , the terracing at the lepping lane at Hillsboro was supposed to be safe standing but still 96 died , it is just not worth the risk , so for me it is a no.

I think what Vonner says is spot on. East end lower section standing away fans up in the corner. I would also like to see the same in the Atyeo with safe areas behind for families. Better facilities and half time refreshments more accessible. Design intermediate exits in the Dolman so we no longer see the crowd leaving in numbers ten minutes before each half ends avoiding the crowds or waiting times for refreshments.
If we are to stay at Ashton Gate (I hope we do) lets make it enjoyable for the Bristolians who will use it, including rugby fans. I'm sure as long as the away fans can buy refreshments at a fast pace they wont mind, it will be just like most grounds.

Rugby fans are very strongly in favour of standing areas which make for a more dynamic crowd & better match experience, it is also an an opportunity to mix & meet with opposing fans. The Clubhouse terrace & Idiots corner at the mem are great places for a beer & a competitive natter with the opposition! Lets keep the same option at AG/AF even if it means installing removable seating.
Whilst we are at it we need stadium personality lighting as in Munich - blue on rugby matchdays & red when City are playing at home.
Lets do it!

Great Idea!! I agree that the Wedlock should have safe standing. Fans currently stand there anyway, and it's by far the most atmospheric section of the ground. Look at the likes of Dortmund as an example of how well it can work. I for one would back this all the way.

Great Idea!! I agree that the Wedlock should have safe standing. Fans currently stand there anyway, and it's by far the most atmospheric section of the ground. Look at the likes of Dortmund as an example of how well it can work. I for one would back this all the way.

Excellent idea - we need to get the intimidation factor back at the Gate. A packed, lively East End which could have standing below and seating above. Get the acoustics right and make that end a place visiting players don't fancy.
What we should also do is make sure visiting fans don't get a cushy spot - stick them up in the rafters like they do at Newcastle. For too long the atmosphere has not been what it should be at the Gate and this is the opportunity to put the foundations in place and give us proper home advantage...